Coronavirus Open letter from the Rector to all RUB members
This is how the current political decisions affect Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Dear members of Ruhr-Universität, dear students,
The infection rate has been growing rapidly over the past few days. The Federal Chancellor and the minister presidents have agreed on more stringent measures. The university management would therefore like to inform you to what extent the current situation is changing the way Ruhr-Universität operates:
We are confident that the existing, carefully planned regulations for operations at Ruhr-Universität and for the start of the winter semester will suffice in the present situation. Nevertheless, we have today adopted some additional regulations to protect your health, and would also like to remind you of some essential rules.
The hybrid semester continues
The combination of online and in-person classes can be implemented as planned, mainly to enable new students to integrate into the university community. At the same time, the faculties must continue to adapt the existing curriculum to current requirements, so that originally scheduled in-person classes may have to be delivered online.
Masks mandatory everywhere
From now on, masks must be worn not only in the buildings but also outside on the entire campus. The following applies to courses: mouth-and-nose masks must also be worn at your seat during classes and lectures. Teachers may choose not to wear a mouth-and-nose mask if a minimum distance of 4 metres to the students is maintained, or alternatively a Plexiglas screen can be installed.
New home office rules for employees
The previous rule for compulsory attendance at the workplace is amended as follows until further notice and with immediate effect: provided that all duties are performed in full, the proportion of work done in the home office can, in consultation with superiors, exceed 50 per cent. If possible, service and committee meetings should not be conducted in person but online.
No leisure activities and social gatherings
Until the end of November, all recreational activities and events at RUB that are not aimed directly at teaching and research can no longer take place. This also includes all sports and cultural activities at RUB.
Be responsible in your spare time
In conclusion, we would like to remind you that not only behaviour on campus, but also responsible behaviour during leisure time plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of the coronavirus and preventing further lockdown measures at Ruhr-Universität. Therefore, as a precaution, please refrain as far as possible from celebrations, sports involving physical contact, choir or theatre rehearsals or other social contacts in your spare time that are not absolutely necessary.
The new restrictions outlined above will initially apply until 30 November 2020. Next weekend, i.e. on 31 October 2020, the current Corona Protection Ordinance for NRW will expire and be adapted to the resolutions of the Federal State Conference. We will keep you updated at the RUB website and by email if there are any further changes affecting operations at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Stay healthy!
Yours, Axel Schölmerich